After my second prenatal appointment with my OB, I spent the drive home ruminating over the details of the visit. Unsettled, I assured myself that she is smart and respected, but human. I justified her actions, gave her the benefit of the doubt. I labeled oversights as slight.

As she wrapped up our appointment, I had chimed in a suggestion to follow up on my thyroid levels. She asked why. I reminded her that I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Unable to locate the lab results, she remarked, “Well, it’s not like your taking any medications for it.” Yes, actually, I am. She ordered blood work that day.

No big deal, right? I am proud to be an informed patient who advocates for my healthcare. She acknowledged a slip and took action immediately. Good team effort. Besides, she’s not the one who diagnosed me with hypothyroidism.

Nevertheless, I was preoccupied with doubt. I accepted the hour-long waits. I excused the dismissed questions. Was I wrong to be disturbed by my OB’s obliviousness to my recent diagnosis and medication change, even though I updated her at my last appointment? How can she provide adequate, comprehensive care if she has trouble keeping track of what’s going on?

I continued to defend her in my head.

Question. Defend. Question. Defend.

Finally, I realized I held a grudge. I had been a responsible patient. I discussed my plans to conceive on numerous occasions with my OB. I had a pre-pregnancy checkup.

I resented my OB for not having diagnosed the hypothyroidism.

She had referred me to a fertility specialist, a reproductive endocrinologist, to check my fallopian tubes. It was at the consultation with him where I learned about the role of the thyroid in pregnancy.

Apparently, screening for thyroid complications was a best practice prior to conception for those with a family history of thyroid disease, especially for women over 35. Left untreated, thyroid dysfunction could be the source of infertility, or it could lead to pregnancy complications (miscarriage, preterm birth), mental retardation, or other birth defects.

Yikes. I had a history of hyperthyroidism.

The fertility specialist later called me personally to notify me of the hypothyroid diagnosis. It was imperative that I start medications asap.

Yes, I am truly thankful for the interception.

Here’s the thing. I had never thought to discuss my thyroid as part of my pre-pregnancy checkup with my OB. If I met the criteria for being at risk for complications, why hadn’t SHE considered my DECADE LONG documented history of thyroid disease as relevant?

And here’s the other thing. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was already pregnant when I met with the fertility specialist. (It makes for a funny story when I’m not fraught with worry.)

So halfway through my first trimester, I have an increased risk of miscarriage? Birth defects? Is anyone else upset?

At the first prenatal visit, I wanted to confront my OB. I wanted to ask why she failed to review my medical history when I was planning my pregnancy. I wanted to yell at her that I was eight weeks along and there better not be anything wrong with my baby.

None of that happened. I presented the news. She seemed unphased.

Don’t be rude. I must be overreacting. I’m sure she knows what is best.

Fast-forward to prenatal appointment number two where I am directing my care. I don’t mind speaking up, but I only know what I know. How can I trust my OB to be organized enough to handle issues I don’t know about?

Doctors are busy. I get it. I don’t expect them to have my entire medical history memorized. That’s why they have a chart. They don’t even have to remember my name, but they get bonus points for faking it. All I expect is that they are thorough and my medical care is tailored to my needs. I count on my doctors to be proactive, not reactive.

Recent posts

I fired my OB during my second pregnancy at 18 weeks. He would casually dismiss my bleeding and pain as “normal for some women.” At the very FIRST appointment of the new OB, she found I had partial placenta previa, something the previous OB hadn’t picked up on. I was so happy I switched! Sometimes you have to go with your gut… Good luck on the Dr Hunt!

http://www.motherknowssomething.com Shannon

I went through 3 OBs: the first because they dropped the ball on 3 different issues in a row, the second because I did not care for her approach to “this is what you will do now,” and the last because they just didn’t really have time for me (not actually their fault, they had doctors going off “rotation”).
It’s also amusing that when I was 13 weeks pregnant at my 2nd OB’s office, one of their nurses insisted- INSISTED- that I was there to get an IUD. She kept trying to tell me that I was wrong about my own chart. If it wasn’t so alarming, it would have been funny.

But I am totally a stickler for certain things. If a doctor was dismissive of something I felt was serious, without taking diagnostic steps to ensure that THEIR reasons were sound, I’d be out of there. When doctors talk to me like I’m 5, I am out of there.

Amy

Amen, sister. I was diagnosed with thyroid issues by my GP as I was trying to get pregnant with my second child. OBGYN? Nope. And when I did get pregnant and miscarried did my OBGYN do any investigating? Nope – brushed it off as “old eggs” (I was 39). A second miscarriage? Bad luck. The infertility specialist was horrified that she had not run any tests on me at all and said that we were starting from scratch since there was no information from the failed pregnancies. Nice. I was so angry that she had wasted so much time when I had no time to waste, and angry at myself for taking her word that she knew what she was doing. A third miscarriage ended my attempts and we stopped trying – I’m so thankful I didn’t have those issues with my first child or we would possibly never have had children with her attitude. I fired her after the second miscarriage, but I wish I had sooner. Looking back I should have fired her after my first delivery – she told me on two seprate occasions that I should not breastfeed because formula was so much better for my child. I knew then that I would not ask her advice in THAT area, but I was confident in my decision to breastfeed and didn’t need her approval or encouragement there. Should have been a big red flag.

Elizabeth

Good for you. I made a switch after our first baby and two subsequent miscarriages. My original OB did fine with standard care, but anything out of the ordinary she was awful. My new doctor in the same practice is SO much better. He’s absolutely amazing and I feel so wonderful about our switch.

Anna

I fired not 1 but 2 in the same practice. My provider (Kaiser) doesn’t have your specific doctor deliver you unless you ARE high risk. But I couldn’t deal with being talked down to by the first two that I met with. My mom is a L&D nurse, and I work for a University Department of Ob/Gyn in a high level administrative capacity. I think they can talk to me like an informed individual and not a child. Once you get the vibe that your care is “off”, it’s okay to take control and switch. If you went to any other service provider and they screwed up at their job after 2 times or more, you’d switch. Do it, and don’t apologize for it. Mother’s intuition begins early! You know what is best for you and your baby better than any other.

Susan-Marie

I changed my doctor yesterday. I am 15 weeks today

I seen 3 doctors at my practice, none of which realised I have PGP! I have suffered since week 6 with what they said was “normal” pain. Pain where I couldn’t climb stairs, get in my car, get in or out of bed etc without tears running down my face.

Thankfully I have found a physiotherapist who specialises in this.

I dread my future with doctor’s appointments.

Brooke

I LOVE my midwife sooo much more than my old OB and if I hadn’t moved between pregnancies I probably would have still been with the same OB. My old OB was really good at his job, but he was very disconnected from his patients. He was notorious for making you wait hours to push while he finished up his clinic hours. I was fortunate to have an awesome labor and delivery nurse that refused to take his BS excuses and I credit her with saving me from a c-section. Also since my OB wouldn’t turn any patient away ever, the waits for appointments were hours long, but the actual time with the OB was less than 5 minutes.

I love, love, love my midwife and the entire practice that also includes OBs and Perinatalogits. I never have to wait more than 5 minutes in the waiting room even if I show up early. Both the medical technician and my midwife asked about my medical history which included questions about diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid issues plus they asked about history of genetic disorders. At each appointment we review any changes to my health whether pregnancy related or not. My midwife lets me call the shots on how often we should meet. She said we could meet more often or less often based on how things were going. She is awesome with my son and personally brings him a sticker after every appointment.

Don’t stop looking until you found someone that understands your needs. Also don’t rule out family practitioners because they can help you manage things beyond your pregnancy too because they are trained to treat the whole person, not just the uterus.

Katie Kimes

I fired my OB at half way through my pregnancy. I felt like I was bothering him for being a patient. I even went as far as switching hospitals too, this way he couldn’t deliver my daughter if he was on call. He misdiagnosed my hyperemesis and everything. I then got a midwife that I LOVE! She helped me, knew my history before I even walked in the door! My daughter is almost 4 and she’s happy and healthy. My midwife has since switched hospitals and I followed. Wouldn’t have it any other way, especially since my husband and I want another

Joyce Slaton

You sound smart, and assertive. You are the customer! You should find a doctor who you really like **and trust.** I hope you’re able to find this!

Kayla

Definitely the right choice- you need someone you can trust, and she apparently is not it. I’m very fortunate to have had an OB that I really respect for all three of my pregnancies. I really hope you find someone soon- FB is a great way to get ideas from friends in your area!

MomofTwoPreciousGirls

I’m not sure where you are located, but if you happen to be near Fairfield, CT I would HIGHLY recommend Fairfield County OB/GYN. They were AMAZING for both my pregnancies!

When my sister was pregnant with her first, at 6 weeks she was having bleeding. She called me in RI and I immediately drove down to her in CT. Her doctors office was not giving her fears any merit and made her feel stupid for being worried. I called my OB’s office (little did I know I was pregnant with my second!) and asked for some guidance. He asked us questions and took time to reassure her, even though she was not his patient. Her doctor’s office did not even call her back with her test results before closing on Friday, leaving her hanging ALL WEEKEND. I told her she should switch, but she was dead set on not having any male doctors. She did not change and her doctors were awful the whole pregnancy. Then the day of the birth, the on call doctor did not show up! My sister had to wait 12 hours for the other doctor from the practice to come in, and she was denied an epidural because her assigned physician was not there. They then made her labor for over 32 hours before reaching the conclusion that the baby was too big. They needed to do a C-section and when they got to the operating room, they were not prepared for my sister’s surgery with latex free equipment since she was allergic. This caused a reaction and she started to bleed out. It was a miserable experience. One she can never get back. She filed formal complaints with the hospital and the state and switched doctors. This time around (niece or nephew is due in May!) her doctor is fully prepared and they have decided to pre-schedule a C-section at a different hospital to ensure things go better.

The most important thing you can do for yourself is make sure your ob is someone you can trust with your life…it will make your experience SO much better.

koolchicken

You are 100% right to switch, don’t feel bad or second guess yourself. This is your health, and the health of your baby at stake. You’re just doing what you have to do, your doc didn’t give you another choice. I would however strongly recommend an exit appointment with her so you can detail exactly why your leaving. Hopefully it’ll help make her more aware of areas she needs to work on.

I actually thought about switching myself, but I don’t have many options living where I do. It’s the female midwives or male OB, I went with the midwives. Unfortunately all they want to do is criticize my weight. I finally sent a very direct (and long) email detailing what I would and would not tolerate at future visits and haven’t had a problem since. I’m glad it worked out (so far) cause I really don’t want a male doc.

Erica

I switched ob’s and was so happy I did. A long story short…she was in a hurry. So much so that she didn’t bother to ask if I had any questions, went to the door, and waited with her hand on the knob as I asked her a couple quick questions. She also seemed scatterbrained. The staff was rude and inconsiderate as well.

Wellsmom

I had a fantastic female OB with my first but she relocated to another state by the time I was pregnant with my second. I chose another female OB who seemed fine, but like Erica’s experience she was always in a hurry and would be standing in the doorway while I asked questions. Then, when my son had a cold–just a cold–she told me to “stay away” from him. Uh, OK, and of course she has no kids of her own. Then she told me I shouldn’t be running or even using the elliptical because I might “fall off.” I ran into the 6th month of my first pregnancy with my doc’s OK. So, I found another OB, a male, which I thought I didn’t want, but he was the best. He encouraged me to run as long as I felt comfortable, which was my plan but it was good to know he supported me. I even kept seeing him for a few years after as my GYN, but he recently retired.

http://heathersanana.blogspot.com HeatherG

I switched my OB clinic at 20 weeks pregnant for a slew of issues. The final straw was when they “forgot” to schedule time for an ultrasound at my 20 week appointment. I was so mad. They proceeded to tell me that they had a new receptionist doing scheduling at the time who wasn’t aware that she needed to set aside extra time for an ultrasound, and that for it to be covered under my insurance, I had to do it within the next 2 weeks. Oh, but they didn’t have any availability in the next 2 weeks, so I may not get an ultrasound unless I pay for it out-of-pocket.
Naturally, I switched to a midwifery clinic and LOVED every moment of my experience. I’ll be going back there for the future

BabyJsMommy

I have had the first two trimesters of both of my pregnancies overseas so I had two OB’s (second time around an OB internationally, and a midwife for L&D) and I have to tell you I think you are making a wise choice, based on what you wrote about your OB. Trust your gut on whether or not you trust your OB. If you are doubting, make changes. Pregnancy, labor and birth can be overwhelming, both with excitement and also fear, and you need to have someone you trust to make sound medical decisions as a part of your care to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. My personal experience has been that my midwife at a small practice that used the local big hospital facilities for birthing and I had a wonderful experience. She knew my name and made me very comfortable at the office and while laboring. I had a successful VBAC and plan on using the same midwifery team for our (possible) future pregnancies. Best of luck with the search!

lindsey

I had recently moved to Chicago and didn’t have any lady doctor at all…when we found out I was pregnant I made an appointment with a guy who worked with my insurance. (I was totally willing to bail on this guy if he was awful!) I randomly picked like THE doctor to go to in the northern Chicago area. Apparently he’s who all the Bull’s wives go to (which I learned from his anesthesiologist he would have never shared that sort of information). He was a godsend, especially for a girl who was recently married and had no idea how to be a grown up.

Fast forward to my 3rd and present 4th pregnancy in Cleveland (where I grew up) and I made an appointment with someone I didn’t know…was having major complications before the first appointment and the woman wouldn’t even meet with me because I wasn’t a preexisting patient. I called my old GYN up from when I was in college (8 years previous) crying and he had me come in that day as soon as I could get in there and treated me wonderfully.

So while I haven’t had your exact experience I would change Doctors in a heartbeat. I know what a good doctor is and if I wasn’t getting the care I needed or felt I needed for myself and my unborn child you bet I’d leave mid appointment!

Bethany

I fired mine at my second check-up as well. He was dismissive of my questions and the nurses were openly disdainful of my partner who was of another race. You could hear them discussing it in the hallway right outside the door. I spent a lot of time searching for a new doctor and found a practice that I ended up loving after talking to a ton of people about where to go. I also found out at this time that there were two new malpractice suits against my original doctor for breaking shoulder bones of babies during the birthing process and that a friend can never give birth naturally again since he had torn her so badly during her second child’s birth. I’m thrilled I went with instinct and never made excuses for him.

Amanda

I recent had my first child. and I wasn’t crazy about my OB the entire pregnancy. I thought about switching but didn’t. She wasn’t a bad doctor but i think she just needed to take more time with patients. Luckily though she referred me to a specialist for my ultra sounds and he was a great doctor and ended up giving birth with him instead of her. I did my postpartum check up with her, but won’t be returning for any annual check ups or another pregnancy if that happens.

Kerry

This is why I chose a midwife.

Audrey

I had a bad impression of a Dr at my OB’s practice. Judgemental, snotty, condescending. I switched to another within the same practice & have had great experiences with anyone else I’ve seen there. Go with your gut! It’s important you’re confidant and comfortable with who’s peeking up your hoo-ha!

Heather

I have to now that I need new insurance. After I finally get the insurance that is. Rgh. and I’m 32 weeks along.

Kristina

I fired my OB with my 1st pregnancy because after I had my 1st ultrasound he told me he couldn’t see the baby with what they gave him, so I could be having an ectopic pregnancy & he wanted me to get a blood test to determine my (hcg?) Levels. 1. The ultrasound tech showed me the baby when I had my ultrasound. 2. I had previously asked for a blood test & he said I didn’t need it. I gave my blood & then he didn’t bother calling me to tell me everything was fine; he had his nurse call. He freaked me out for nothing with my 1st pregnancy. I fired him before my next appointment.

Nycole

I fired my OB at 12 weeks. Up until that point I had seen his NP, who was wonderful! I was looking forward to my appointment with the OB, and then I met him. Within a few minutes of coming in the room, he criticized me for my poor diet (we hadn’t talked about my diet at all– he was judging this based on my 5lb wait gain and the fact that I’m overweight), told me that I should be LOSING weight throughout the whole pregnancy, not gaining, told me that I shouldn’t be having a baby when my husband and I were not working (he was laid off after I was pregnant), told me that I should’ve known better than to get pregnant when we can’t afford a child, told me that “exercise never hurt a high-risk pregnancy” (I’m 42, and this is my first pregnancy), assumed my husband and I were both uneducated, since we’re on Medicaid (I have my MA in Psychology, and he is a teacher)… I left the office in tears.

We went home and called the Perinatal doc and she referred us to the awesome OB that we have now! Oh and it turns out that I have CI, and when I increased my activity level, I almost ended up loosing the baby. I’m so thankful for the team that I have now!

Paulie

I fired my ob when I was…. Wait for it…. 7 months pregnant! I didn’t find out I was pregnant until I was 4 months pregnant so I wasn’t dating that ob that long so I didn’t find the need to have to stay with her. I was overweight ( by over weight I mean obese) prior to my pregnancy so clearly I was going to gain a bit more with the little one. I felt uneasy when she brushed off nearly all of my going to be a new mommy questions and made me feel, well, inferior. I was clueless as to the development of my baby as well as the changes my body was going through. I asked for a copy of my medical records to see what she was writing every time she blew off a question; nothing her medical records like more like a dietician’s record than on ob’s. pleas note, I had no issues in my pregnancy. When I switched my new ob was rather surprised by understood, he was given the same records as I was. He found out I had strep b virus and needed to take antibiotics prior to delivery as the virus could harm the baby. Ob 1 never mentioned it. I delivered my very healthy baby boy this summer and could by e happier with my last minute change. You need to trust tr person delivering your child, both lives rest in their care.

Laura

I switched ob’s after my first appt. The doctor who delivered my previous child 2 1/2 years seems to have become overwhelmed with her practice. She doesn’t belong to a group, sees all her own patients and delivers most of them too. Sounds good, right? That’s what I thought until I realized this results in limited availability for appt’s (she is only in the office one day s week), 2 plus hour long waits each appt and she is VERY quick to induce. She induced me a mere 2 days past my due date with my daughter. When I went to my first prenatal appt this pregnancy I waited 1 1/2 hours in the waiting room THEN another hour in the exam room. At which point I got dressed and walked out, telling the nurse I had to leave I couldn’t wait any longer. I asked some girl friends and found a good group of doctors, I may see a new doc each appt, but this is my third child so I feel pretty confident in being able to direct my own care. It’s been much better.

Niki

Good for you and all the other mom’s on here! I am at 21 weeks with my second pregnancy and I switched OB’s right after the first trimester. Mostly due to the fact of crazy insurance costs that we didn’t incur with our first son, but also because their office completely stopped doing any after hours on-call. Which I thought was completely insane!! I absolutely ADORED my first OB, but felt really uncomfortable with not being able to reach someone after hours as I live 45 minutes from the hospital! It was with very mixed emotions that I did switch. I ended up writing my old OB a letter in which I was balling through…and she wrote me the sweetest response back. I really like my new OB as she was recommended by my BFF (we’re both in the health field area). I definitely feel like I made the best choice for myself and my family, even though it was tough! But whatever the reason to switch, you ultimately CANNOT deny that gut feeling of knowing what is best for you! So many people are not as involved with their healthcare as they should be and they let others dictate things for them…never ceases to amaze me! Healthcare is a business and it is our job to stay informed as the consumer and not take a back seat in this very important matter…our own health!!

Savannah

I changed doctors when I was about 16 weeks with my second baby. I had been having issues with her but the final straw was when she gave me thyroid replacement meds for an OVERACTIVE thyroid! Didn’t know that until I went to the specialist she sent me to who told me to stop taking the meds immediately. He told me that it’s common to have thyroid problems during pregnancy and not to worry unless it didn’t seem to get better on its own in the second trimester. I asked my OB why she gave me the wrong meds, and she blamed the receptionist. She tried to say that the nurse who answers the phone also reads the labs and told her wrong. She was the doctor! Look up what can happen to a baby when there’s too much thyroid hormone in the mom’s system… It can cause birth defects, miscarriage, and can cause the baby’s heart to burst! When I told her that I had looked up what could happen to the baby, she said “We don’t worry about too much thyroid hormone; it doesn’t affect the baby.” I was so angry I was shaking. Not only did she refuse to take responsibility for her mistake, she also tried to say that her mistake couldn’t hurt my daughter. My new OB told me everything that could happen because of my old OB’s screw up and was very professional and helpful. My beautiful baby girl was a month early but was super healthy and came home the next day. She’ll be three months old on the seventeenth.

neanerbean

I never fired an on, but had a different Dr with my son. With my daughter, I was with a group of ob docs, different Dr every appt and the one that delivered me was rude and even YELLED at me. Personality was bad care was good. Son, I went to my FP. Beat care, delivery was a dream, saw the same Dr. If you don’t have any severe problems, go to your family doc, if they do ob. They know you, your family and they take care of all issues you may have, not just the LO that you are carrying. Even better afterward, 1stop appts:)

twinsmommy

I hated my 1st ob. I had hypermesis. He was never available for questions at all. I left him after 13 weeks, new ob at a new hospital. I never looked back.

Bonus mom

Yes. My first pregnancy was a breeze. Liked my OB. Second pregnancy came 3 months after giving birth and concurrent my being diagnosed with a disease (ankylosing spondylitis). I quickly learned that my OB didn’t want anything to do with me because my pregnancy would be difficult and I would be on meds throughout. They were unhelpful and unsupportive. I switched at week 12 and was very happy with that decision. Had a beautiful baby boy who was healthy in every way and delivered vaginally (a difficult feat with my disease) all made possible I feel bc of my new supportive OB

Tori

I met all the doctors at my doctors office before I made my decision on which one I wanted. I ended up picking 2 out 3 of the doctors that I really like a lot.

M

I switched ob’s twice during my pregnancy. One couldn’t remember that I’d been in the week before and was put on bedrest at that appointment and wanted to know why I was back for a check up so soon. The second one I chose because of several recommendations and was very qualified education and experience wise, but didn’t really click with personality wise. I would have stayed with her if my insurance hadn’t changed. The third ob was it for me! She stayed on top of all of my complications and was concerned about my mental state (which neither of the other 2 seemed concerned with after almost losing my son at 20 weeks.) Unfortunately, it was one of her partners who was on call when my son was born about 6 hours after being induced early.

sabrina

I love my OB. I love her so much that when she moved to a much busier medical group that delivers out of a larger and busier hospital, I followed her. I went from free parking and 15 minute waits to $6 parking and hour long waits to be with her. I had a high risk pregnancy the first time around and she was a very special person through the entire thing. It is important to me that they know me as a person and not just a chart. I choose doctors based off of recommendations from trusted friends and family members. I can’t just choose a name out of a book. When I found out i was pregnant the second time I did question whether I wanted to deal with the hustle of her new office but my husband and I both agreed that we felt more comfortable keeping her no matter where she was. Good thing we decided that because it turns out i’m pregnant with twins, have an incompetent cervix, already dilated, with my membranes bulging past the cerclage she put in at 17 weeks. At 23 weeks she admitted me to the hospital and i’m not 26w4d and the bulging reduced and moved back into place. she is proactive and answers my questions before I can even ask them.

Catta

At my 20 week checkup, my OB came in the room and said “So you are 32 weeks. Is your bottom all better?” Um, what? I was getting ready to say something, but then the nurse tapped him on the shoulder and told him he had the wrong patient. That patient was in the next room. He apologized, but it left me feeling unsettled. However, I didn’t want to switch doctors halfway through my pregnancy, so I just chalked it up to being really busy. Then, at 36 weeks, I went into labor and had to have an emergency c-section. During my C-section, he couldn’t even find the baby’s head. The Pediatrician is the one who found her head. I really wish I would’ve listened to myself and switched. I didn’t like him at all.

Shannon

Yep, I fired mine at about 20 weeks when he had no bedside manner and didn’t even introduce himself to my husband the first time they met…literally just walked in took my chart commented and didn’t look up. I found a midwife and never looked back. Now on my second pregnancy, I am delighted to be with a midwife again!

Tara

When it comes to your health and that of your child (unborn or otherwise!) your gut is NEVER wrong. EVER! At 40, I finally was pregnant – after a 6 month treatment for pulmonary embolism. My ob/gyn worked closely with me going over every single detail of my pre-pregnancy history. She was so thorough as to make sure that I was seen by a perinatalogist, and these two doctors worked hand in hand with my hematologist to make sure that I didn’t get any blood clots, was therapeutically at the correct blood thinner levels throughout, AND when I was diagnosed with full placenta previa, they went into “overdrive” to get me successfully to the finish line. Two hospitalizations later due to bleeding, and at 36 weeks, one day – my beautiful daughter was born. I truly measure all doctors against the yardstick of my prenatal team – they were amazing, and most doctors need a little prodding, but should rise to the occasion for you. If not — move on!

Morgan

I fired my ob after week 12. I have fibromyalgia and was on some pretty heavy medication for it. He told me to stop taking it immediately (didn’t even know what it was), in his words “tomorrow”. Scared I called my Pain management doctor from back home (I was living in a different state at the time) and he said if I did that he could guarantee I’d lose the baby and could possibly go into shock and die myself. I went back and told him what my pm and he said my pm was an idiot. Yeah okay guy. Oh and he didn’t diagnose my HG which was painfully obvious. At least he was decent enough to transfer me to a decent doctor…

http://Theadventurousmama.blogspot.com Milania’s Mommy

Yes actually I liked my OB/GYN but at my first appointment I had to wait literally 3 hours before I was seen I had severe morning sickness so it was pretty hard to wait 3 hours to be seen. They apologized and said they had an emergency, the next time I came back I waited, I waited 2 hours to be seen I was in tears because again my morning sickness was so severe I could barely get out of bed. Oh and before I got pregnant I was taking Topamaxx for migraines, my DD wasn’t exactly planned so I stopped taking right when I found out I was pregnant, I asked my doctor about it at one of my appointments he tells me he has patients taking it so I want to keep taking I can. A week after I gave birth I saw on TV that Topamaxx causes birth defects and cleft pallets and my OB/GYN TELLS ME I CAN KEEP TAKING IT? Like what the heck luckily I didn’t but if I had my daughter could have been born with birth defects how could he not tell me that. I was kind of mad to say the least.

Jennifer

I never had an OB/GYN – I chose a midwife from the start. First, I met with one through a major area hospital, and it was not the experience I was looking for. The medical assistant never introduced herself or told me my blood pressure reading. And I felt that the midwife was still too clinical and impersonal. I didn’t feel a connection with her, so I never went back. Then, I was searching on Google for midwives in my area and came across this young midwife who seemed to share my philosophy about natural childbirth, and when I called to set an appointment, she answered the phone herself. I thought that showed dedication and just had a good feeling about her. At the appt, we just chatted about how I was feeling and talked about our mutual disappointment for the maternity care system in America, and there it was: the connection I was looking for. She became like family. I love her.

Samantha

I had a great doctor with my first, but due to insurance switch could not go back to them this time around.

Currently 7 months pregnant, and had to switch back around 2 months. (only 2 appointments in so far). I was going to a community health center, and seeing who had been my regular doctor who was also a obgyn NP (nurse) I knew she would not be doing the actual delivery but I did meet who would be doing it.

All seemed nice, except as a community health center they did something called a “centering program” where all pregnant women due at the same time goes to group meetings. Did not seem a big deal at first, but I was the only 2nd time parent, and the nurses who were doing the group had no clue as none of them had ever had a child.

When I noticed that they were starting to look to me for answers to everyones questions, i was done. I also did not really like the person that would be doing the delivery and on top of that I was finally told that one of 5 people could be doing the delivery and i would not meet any of the others.

Finally found a great Doctor who was recomended by a friend that works at Labor and delivery that I would be going to.

GOOD LUCK!!

Devorah

I just fired my midwife at 15 weeks and I found a new midwife. I just didn’t feel like it was a good match from day 1 with the first midwife. And like you I kept defending her and defending her until I just had enough! So happy with my new midwives!

darkmoonbaby

I think I got lucky. I wanted a female doctor, and the ONLY ones who took my insurance were the ones I ended up with. All three ladies, and the midwife who was part of the practice, were absolutely WONDERFUL. I plan to go back to the practice for any further pregnancies, and plan to keep them as my GYN since I have a male Primary Care. All three of the doctors and the midwife were all very open to my desires, supportive of all the decisions I made, and never criticized or brought up my weight, which is good, ’cause I’m very self-conscience about my weight, and was even more so while pregnant.

If you have any doubts, though, change doctors!

http://mylittlelina.blogspot.com/ Kimberly Cai

While I was happy with the care I received from my OBGYN during my pregnancy, I wasn’t too happy with her during the actual birth. She was too abrupt and dismissive of any suggestions or concerns. Her bedside manner towards my husband left a lot to be desired.

One point of contention was when he suggested that based on recent studies that she not cut the umbilical cord too quickly but instead allow it to stop pulsating first. My OBGYN’s retort was that she has been delivering babies for 23 years and knows what she is doing. It is as though there is nothing new to be learned in medicine or the save delivery of a baby. That bothered me and still does to this day.

Another issue was her refusal to immediately place the baby on my breasts. She felt that it was first necessary to clean and to suctioning out the nose and mouth and she did so for at least 5 to 10 mins. Recent studies have also shown that this is not necessary as healthy babies clear their passageways on their own.

I am not sure if i will use her again.

TiffanyF

With my 3rd child I had started with a new OBGYN because my old one moved. I fired her at 7 months along and found the one I have now. My DD is now 4 and I am within a few weeks of my newest edition. I absolutely LOVE the one I have now, and have since my first appointment. My only regret is that I dint change sooner! If you’re not happy now, that will just increase as your pregnancy does and especially after your baby is born. Save yourself the heartache, find a new one and remember, not everyone meshes together all the time and that is ok. This is an important relationship that is being forged between you and your doctor for the health and welfare of your child. I’m glad you were willing to speak up and be proactive, buy don’t be afraid to have the same courage to find the right doc for you and your unborn child. Best of luck.

Nyhayes2002

We moved between my two pregnancies. I found new closer OB with #2. At 32 weeks I switched back to my old OB. Good thing too, the ultra sound place here where I lived got my due date wrong. Since this time I was having a scheduled c-section and the Drs take the babies a week early. This doctor would have taken my son at 38 weeks instead of 39. Benefit of going back to my old doctor was the same one who delivered both my sons and they computed my correct due date. Plus I was familiar with both doctors and hospitals and it was closer to most of the extended family and friends that would visit us.

Rachel

I am 34 weeks along and want to change to a different practice…I am so hoping that I get some good news from other practices on Monday because I do not want this group delivering my baby. Any recommendations in the Tampa area would be appreciated…

Clair

Those expierence a are shockingly similar to my own. I now have wonderful five month old….I was pregnant when went to RE and lost it… Had thyroid problems…eventually got pregnant again then had to leave RE office @ ten weeks…HERE is where it gets crazy….OB great weeks 10-14 then dropped my insurance….next OB was disaster did not listen remember meds or consider my birth plan… To speed up story I did not change Dr when I had doubts and ended up 41weeks 2 days leaving hospital @ midnight still pregnant and firing OB!!!!!!!! Wish I had done it when I had doubts in second trimester. (Btw I hired a home birth midwife at forty one weeks three days that gave me a better exam and history in each of our three in home exams than all the other care providers combined…I had a great home birth! ) in home providers are so personalized they can provide individualized care and spend lots of time getting to know you… So I suggest you CHANGE if you have any doubts.

Lizzie

I think any woman who doubts her doctor should 100% find someone new. At 6 months pregnant I changed my OB. I think he sat through my appointments counting the days until his retirement. I asked him questions and he just didn’t reply. I thought maybe he hadn’t heard and repeated which was met by an irritated/tired sigh and seriously lacking/patronising answer. He even would send text messages during my consultation. The final straw was when he REFUSED to give me the Rhogam injections to make sure there weren’t complications with my RH- blood if my baby was positive. I WANTED the injections, it was MY risk. First thing my new OB ask was if I’d had the injection. I had, because my poor husband had searched pharmacies and injected me himself. Terrible doctor. I was prepping myself to give birth for the first time and fight with my doctor. During the process of bring your child into the world you should feel confident that the person helping you is doing everything they can to ensure both you and your baby are healthy and happy.

Shanda

Fired mine at 26 weeks and went to a mdwife. He was actually nice about it and said he hoped I found what I was looking for which I did. Someone who actually spent time with me and acted like my plans for birth mattered.

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